Harper Enjoys Sharp Performance

Derek Harper Was Instrumental - ''it Was Time For Me To Step Up.''

HOUSTON — The New York Knicks traded for Derek Harper five months ago looking for the backcourt leadership they sorely lacked.

He delivered big time Friday night.

Harper had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals to help push the Knicks to a 91-83 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of The NBA Finals.

It came at a time when they were desperate for a lift, following a poorly played performance in Game 1. Another like that would have put their title hopes in jeopardy.

''It was time for me to step up. It was time for a lot of us,'' said Harper of West Palm Beach. ''I've had several good games for the Knicks this season, but the magnitude of this game was so much more. Maybe this was the best game I've had.''

Harper, who made only 3 of 10 shots in Game 1, hit 7 of 11 shots Friday night, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range. The two he hit in the final six minutes helped unravel the Rockets.

His first in the period gave the Knicks an 81-79 lead. His second with 2:00 remaining gave them an 87-81 lead that broke down the Rockets.

''Professionals make open shots. We got some open shots tonight, and we took advantage of that,'' he said. ''It was just a combination of how important the game was and just making the shots. We needed this one.''

When he joined the Knicks in January, Harper thought he had gone to heaven. He had spent his career in Dallas, but the Mavericks had become the league's worst team. Now, he is on the team that is trying to prove it is the best.

''It was a happy time coming to New York,'' he said. ''It was good fortune on my part. Then it became of matter of what I could do with it.''

Although Harper had averaged at least 16 points per game for the last seven years of his career, he has struggled with the Knicks. He averaged only 8.6 points in the regular season and 9.2 points in the playoffs. When he was ejected in the series against Chicago and sat out a one-game suspension, his leadership ability certainly came under question.

But not anymore.

''You can't play perfect basketball all the time,'' Harper said. ''I've had my problems, but I've fought through them. My role here is different, and it's one that I've enjoyed. I just want to make sure we can keep this thing going. Right now it feels pretty good.''